4 Totally Awesome Reasons to go on a New Zealand Honeymoon

New Zealand may seem like one of those countries that are too far away and need a considerable amount of time and money to travel to. But here’s the thing about remote places; they’re often far more beautiful and untouched, and the fact that not everyone goes there (unlike Paris or Tuscany which are both lovely but frequented by tourists all the time), means that you’ll have the most unexpected experiences and authentic interactions with locals. So if like us, you’re the kind of couple that doesn’t find the idea of a cliché Parisian trip or a Santorini honeymoon appealing and wants a little extra, here is why you should plan a honeymoon in New Zealand.

New Zealand will sweep you off your feet.

There are few countries where nature has the kind of raw, untouched quality that it has in New Zealand, so much that while it can be jaw-dropping-ly dramatic at times, it can also be perfect in its calm, unrushed beauty at others. With endless opportunities to chance upon a picture-perfect view or vista or a remote empty beach as you take one little detour, it seems like the country was made for road-tripping- which is what you should do.

In New Zealand, you can see natural wonders that wouldn’t see anywhere elsewhere such as the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Pohutu geyser and geothermal pools of Rotorua. When you’re in these moments, hand in hand with your significant other, looking up at the roof of a cave glittering with thousands upon thousands of shiny glowworms, or watching in excitement as the frothy steam of a geyser bubbles over and shoots 30 meters high, it can often feel like you’re together on another planet- one where you’re humbled by the sheer forces of nature.

And let’s not forget the Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights- the mesmerizing dancing green lights in the night sky (just like the Northern Lights in Iceland) that are often visible between March and September. With unforgettable memories like this, your honeymoon is sure to be the trip of a lifetime, as it rightly should be.

The wine is among the best in the world.

The perfect romance isn’t complete without staring into gorgeous sunsets over wine and luckily, you don’t have to follow the hordes of other couples already doing this in the Tuscan vineyards of Italy. The wine in New Zealand is among the best in the world, and this still being something of a secret means that vineyards and winery tours aren’t packed with busloads of tourists, allowing for a more intimate experience. Even if you don’t have very long to venture into the wine regions, you can do a wine tasting and tour on Waiheke Island, just a ferry away from Auckland.

True wine-lovers can spend weeks discovering the best wineries in the country, sipping on the country’s famous Sauvignon Blanc and appreciating the notes of Pinot Noir, in well-known wineries like the Cloudy Bay Vineyards in the wine region of Marlborough on the South Island or the fine Bordeaux blends of Stonyridge Vineyard on Waiheke Island (or Island of Wine), a ferry ride away from Auckland. The tastings are unrushed and the sommeliers on these estates are friendly and happy to share stories and information as they pour you a glass over stunning views over their vineyards. Whether you choose to follow the wine trails and book a wine trip in New Zealand or mix wine-tasting tours along with other adventure and nature activities in each region as you go along, you’ll come away with a newfound love for the wines (and artisanal foods and cheeses of New Zealand).

Being adventurous together brings couples closer.

There’s an undeniably special spark between couples who experience epic adventures together. Whether it’s jumping of a plane to skydive in Auckland, going bungee-jumping or paragliding over Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, knowing that you’ve shared a moment where you felt so many emotions at once- ranging from fear to pure childlike wonder for being alive, brings the two of you closer, and gives you amazing stories to tell your grandchildren.

But it isn’t only just about the adventures; every day in New Zealand, from waking up to a pristine lake view in your campervan to hiking along dramatic coastal views or kayaking up to hidden seal colonies in places like the Abel Tasman National Park, makes you feel like you’ve chanced upon a real paradise- one that you only have to share with your partner.

The people are some of the friendliest you’ll meet.

In New Zealand, everywhere you go, you’re greeted by the words “Kia Ora” which translates to “Be well” and most people are warm and friendly, which makes a honeymoon there extra special. On my own honeymoon in New Zealand, the people I met, from locals in pubs to our hosts in B&Bs, were especially warm and kind-hearted. One of our hosts in Fox Glacier Village lent us his car to go explore the surrounding areas for no extra charge and yet another upgraded us to a better room with a hot tub when she learnt that we were on our honeymoon. We often think of people when we remember places fondly and the people in New Zealand made sure that we came away with great memories of that trip.

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